Premier League: north vs south XI

In England there is a traditional rivalry between the north and south of the country, so what better way to settle the old feud by comparing the regions' best players.

Goalkeeper: David De Gea v Petr Cech

De Gea has improved greatly since his first year in the England, after his dodgy debut season, whilst Cech has been a leading figure in Chelsea's team and was the penalty shoot-out hero in the Champions League final, and shades it courtesy of his consistency over the years.

Winner: Petr Cech

Right-back: Pablo Zabaleta v Cesar Azpilicueta

The Argentine Zabaleta has been rock solid for City over the last few seasons and has captained them in the absence of Vincent Kompany. Spaniard Azpilicueta beats Karl Walker due to his superior defensive ability but loses out to Zabaleta who has proven his worth over a longer time scale.

Winner: Pablo Zabaleta

Centre-back: Vincent Kompany v Jan Vertonghen

In the battle of the Belgians, it is hard to look past City’ captain and talisman, who has been a rock at their heart of their defence since he signed. Vertonghen has impressed this season but is no way near Kompany’s level.

Winner: Vincent Kompany

Centre-back: Nemanja Vidic v David Luiz

Despite missing most of this season the due to injury, the Serbian’s reliance and general hardiness see him defeat the Brazilian international. Luiz’s exuberance raw talent saw him see off team mate John Terry to make the south XI but Vidic takes a comfortable victory.

Winner: Nemanja Vidic

Left-back: Leighton Baines v Ashley Cole

This familiar battle has been played out several times before with both players vying for England’s number three jersey, with Cole being the traditional choice. However, I have been really impressed by Baines’ game this season and he scrapes past his old rival.

Winner: Leighton Baines

Centre-midfield: Michael Carrick v Jack Wilshere

Carrick has bossed the centre of midfield for United this season and his distribution has been vital in United’s fantastic season to date. But Wilshere’s all-round play is superb and the England midfielder can go all the way to the top of the game if he can steer clear of injury.

Winner: Jack Wilshere

Attacking-midfield: Yaya Touré v Miguel Michu

Uncapped Spaniard Michu has been prolific for Swansea this season netting 17 times in the Premier League, but Touré customary powerful and dominant playing style sees him make the grade.

Winner: Yaya Touré

Attacking-midfield: David Silva v Juan Mata

In this battle of Spanish wizards, it is very difficult to choose between these two players. Silva arguably had a better début season in England than Mata, but Chelsea’s number 10 has certainly had the better season this term, and has carried Chelsea at times, and so beats his compatriot.

Winner: Juan Mata

Right-wing: Sergio Aguero.v Eden Hazard

Aguero had a season to remember last year scoring the winning goal in Manchester City’s title wining campaign. However, his form has been indifferent this term, and Hazard who is just 22 has scored eight times in the League and provided 11 assists pips the Argentine and has looked sharp in recent weeks.

Winner: Eden Hazard

Striker: Robin van Persie v Theo Walcott

Walcott’s shift to a more central role in Arsene Wenger’s side has paid dividends as he has scored 17 goals domestically. However, despite his poor recent form Van Persie wins comfortably with his 19 league goals.

Winner: Robin van Persie

Left-wing: Luis Suarez v Gareth Bale

Two men whose play has been so good this season, their sides have been dubbed as “one man teams” slog it out here. Both have tremendous dribbling ability but Suarez has either assisted or scored an incredible 32 goals in the league alone compared to Bale’s 24, so the controversial Uruguayan takes it.

Winner: Luis Suarez

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson v Arsene Wenger

The Frenchman and boss at Arsenal has a great record and managed the side which went an unbeaten season in the league back in the 2003 – 04 season but with Arsenal’s trophy less run set to stretch to eightyears the Godfather of football managers wins with consummate ease.

Winner: Sir Alex Ferguson

That means "the North" wins 7 -4, taking the manager's crown as well.

Do you agree? Have your say in the comments section below, and follow me on twitter: @muscat_george.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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